Alex Rodriguez belted his first home run since returning from his yearlong suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, sending a fastball by Boston Red Sox pitcher Brandon Workman over the left-center field fence during Wednesday’s exhibition game in Tampa, Fla.
The 39-year-old Rodriguez hit a the 89 mph pitch on a 3-and-1 count in the fourth inning at George Steinbrenner Field. He has five hits in 11 at-bats (.455 average) and two RBIs so far this spring, but it was his first home run in a game since September 2013.
Rodriguez started at third base against the Red Sox, playing his old position for the second time during the spring. When the regular season begins, Rodriguez is expected to be the designated hitter if he makes the Yankees’ roster.